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Q: Work on Q2 visa?
Does anyone know if it's possible to work on a Q2 visa? Or any limitations such as hours?
9 years 15 weeks ago in Visa & Legalities - China
Id also like to mention that a large percentage of teachers on this very site also work illegally on that same visa. So know the risks, but take the damnation with a grain of salt.
happywanderer:
Probably give illegal teaching a miss. If I decide to do something illegal and then end up getting caught, I'd be embarrassed if it's anything less serious than world domination.
RiriRiri:
Well I guess there's no one left with any other kind of visa. Family visas are the only non working option for long stays (as far as I know anyway).
Robk:
Yup, just claim you are a "consultant" and don't get caught actually teaching on an illegal visa and GENERALLY you will be okay.
Larger cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou) you are at a much higher risk.
ironman510:
@RiRi, I'm happy to say Americans can get a 10 year Business visa now ^^
From a purely legal standpoint, no. Not by any stretch of the mind, despite what some will tell you.
You are not legally authorized to work. Not at an office, not online, not home, not anywhere, unless you are doing so on the authorized visas.
Okay, now we cleared that up: no one will obviously ever say anything if you freelance from home on the Internet. Just be clever with your pay.
ironman510:
Wrong! Back in 2012 when my wife gave birth I took time off work and used the new Q visa myself. I asked nicely during the PSB interview if I could work online at home and they said yes, because you pay for your internet service and free to use it to a limited point in China (Facebook and Youtube.) They just said you cant for in a company without a Z visa and they said if the salary was from a different country it's no problem.
ironman510:
Next point, who's going to walk into your home to see if you are working online? Unless you're doing pole dancing.
happywanderer:
Mmmm like that thinking! Although up until now pole dancing was an option...
RiriRiri:
Stealing is legal as long as I don't get caught - just following your logic. So what's your address?
I wrote two distinct paragraphs to explain the difference between legal and non-enforceable. Was it that intricate?
I'll be happy to reconsider should you produce me any piece of credible documentation proving what you say is true. Until then, law says working IN CHINA isn't legal, which is straightforward.
jfreemansh:
I do work from home and get paid in a foreign country (HK and US accounts). I am on a q1 and during recent interview the officers asked how I supported the family and could afford the new house. Explained I work online and after asking to see how much I made, they quickly starting joking they should also work online vs being a cop. According tot hem as long as I dont do work for a domestic company or accept pay in China then it is ok on a q visa.
You can work from home online if the salary is from another country, just like the F visa, if the salary is from another country than your welcome to have a salary transferred to you in China. If it comes from an online Chinese company just have the salary sent to your wife.
Id also like to mention that a large percentage of teachers on this very site also work illegally on that same visa. So know the risks, but take the damnation with a grain of salt.
happywanderer:
Probably give illegal teaching a miss. If I decide to do something illegal and then end up getting caught, I'd be embarrassed if it's anything less serious than world domination.
RiriRiri:
Well I guess there's no one left with any other kind of visa. Family visas are the only non working option for long stays (as far as I know anyway).
Robk:
Yup, just claim you are a "consultant" and don't get caught actually teaching on an illegal visa and GENERALLY you will be okay.
Larger cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou) you are at a much higher risk.
ironman510:
@RiRi, I'm happy to say Americans can get a 10 year Business visa now ^^
You are not suppose to work on a Q2 visa... which I find utterly ridiculous. A Q2 visa is a family visa that China HAS to administer (it was a lousy L tourist-family visa before it) so that it is in compliance with international human rights law I believe.
You are not allowed to legally work or provide for your family in China. However, most cops or officials give some slack as long as you keep the spotlight off yourself as they know a man must provide for his family.
I got around this loop-hole by working online (which means I do work in China but not for Chinese organizations). I also don't need to pay taxes as I am not employed by Chinese companies that pay taxes to the government. Basically, I get nothing from them so I give nothing to them.
There are small loop-holes or accepted positions you can do in China on Q2, student visas... and others. That is acting as a "consultant" which is a very general term but officials have been told that THIS is okay.
So if you say "I am an ESL teacher, teaching kids at home." WRONG. If you say, "I am an educational & parenting consultant." Then they will be like... hmm... okay.
China is a weird place.
ScotsAlan:
The human rights aspect is interesting. Membership of the EU depends on states signing up to the European human rights charter. The right to a family life is included there. Lots of people have avoided deportation from Europe using this clause. I would have thought UN membership would have something similar.
Someday guys us married folks will be able to work on a Q visa, not now but when there are too many of us on a Q visa than they'll use us instead of the outsiders and because we are more stable and we invest more into China. I was told this by a Gov friend. Give it some more time.
ScotsAlan:
I like this answer Ironman. It makes sense. Something between a z visa and a d visa. Maybe a Q3 visa. valid for maybe 2 years that allows you to work in any company. We live in hope :-)
ironman510:
I just heard we'll have to report our Chinese tax if such a visa will come.
100% agreed that one day family visa holders will be able to work. But when that time will come. I hope it come soon and we all get settle well........!!!
